Import Export

Customs Client Number South Africa

Goods do not move into or out of South Africa without a Customs Client Number.

SARS Customs requires every importer and every exporter to have one on file. Without it, your shipment sits at the port, your supplier waits, and your customer wonders where their stock is.

A Customs Client Number is the SARS Customs registration assigned to a registered importer or exporter. It is sometimes called an Importer Code, Exporter Code, or Import Export Code. It is the same single number issued by SARS for cross-border movement of goods.

Express Shelf Company lodges Customs Client Number applications with SARS for South African (Pty) Ltd companies, Inc companies, and Close Corporations.

What Is a Customs Client Number?

A Customs Client Number is the unique identifier SARS assigns to a registered importer or exporter.

It is captured against the company’s SARS profile and used by clearing agents on every import or export declaration. Without it, goods cannot clear SARS Customs.

A registered Customs Client Number lets you:

• Clear imported goods through SARS Customs
• Ship exports out of South Africa under your own name
• Use a clearing agent to process your declarations
• Trade across borders as a recognised, registered entity

A single Customs Client Number covers both imports and exports. There is not a separate code for each.

When You Need a Customs Client Number

You need to register if:

• Your company will import goods into South Africa for resale, manufacture, or use
• Your company will export goods out of South Africa to international customers
• Your supply chain involves cross-border movement of goods
• Your clearing agent cannot lodge declarations without your Customs Client Number
• You are bidding on a tender or contract that involves imported supply

If goods are crossing the border in your company’s name, you need this registration.

What Is Included With the Customs Client Number Service?

Express Shelf Company lodges the SARS Customs application from start to finish.

Includes:

• Customs Client Number application drafted and submitted
• Supporting documentation prepared
• Lodgement with SARS and active follow-up
• Confirmation of registration and issued Customs Client Number returned to your inbox
• Guidance on import/export VAT, customs duties, and your first declarations
• Cross-check on your registered representative and SARS profile

How It Works

We have made this as effortless as possible. The whole application is handled on your behalf.

Step 1: Tell Us What You Are Importing or Exporting

A short conversation helps us understand the goods, routes, suppliers, customers, and timing.

We use this information to prepare the application correctly.

Step 2: We Lodge With SARS

Express Shelf Company prepares the Customs Client Number application and lodges it with SARS, with the supporting documents in place.

Step 3: SARS Issues Your Customs Client Number

SARS processes the application. Your Customs Client Number is issued, and confirmation is sent to your inbox.

Step 4: You Trade Across Borders

Brief your clearing agent. Your first declaration can go through, and your import or export supply chain can start moving.

Why Use Express Shelf Company for Your Customs Client Number?

A Customs Client Number application that lands at SARS without the right supporting information can sit for weeks.

SARS Customs is not the place for a generic submission and a hopeful follow-up email. Knowing what supporting evidence to include, and how to present it, is what gets the registration through properly.

Express Shelf Company gives you:

• Application prepared with the supporting evidence SARS Customs expects
• Lodgement through eFiling and direct follow-up at SARS
• Practical guidance on import/export VAT, duties, and first declarations
• A track record with importers, exporters, freight agents, and offshore traders
• A faster route to your first cleared shipment, with an Import & Export Shelf Company option if you need to trade sooner

The container clears. That is the difference.

Customs Client Number FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Get a Customs Client Number?

A new application normally takes a number of weeks at SARS, and longer if any documentation is incomplete.

If you need to trade sooner, an Import & Export Shelf Company may be a faster option because it already has a customs code attached.

Is There a Separate Code for Imports and Exports?

No. SARS issues a single Customs Client Number that covers both imports and exports.

The same code is used on import and export declarations.

Do I Need a Separate Registration for Each Type of Goods?

For most goods, no. The Customs Client Number is a general importer/exporter registration.

Restricted or controlled goods may require additional permits from the relevant authority on top of the Customs Client Number.

Can I Import Without a Customs Client Number Using a Clearing Agent?

No. Even if you use a clearing agent, the importer or exporter still needs to be registered with SARS Customs.

The clearing agent uses your Customs Client Number when lodging declarations.

Can a New Company Apply for a Customs Client Number?

Yes. A newly registered company can apply, but SARS may require supporting documents, a working SARS profile, and registered representative details before processing the application.

What If I Need to Import Immediately?

If your shipment cannot wait for a new SARS application, an Import & Export Shelf Company may be the better route because the company already has an active SARS Customs Code.